Public Policy Day Recap, by Linda Principe, VP Public Policy
NJAWBO Public Policy Day 2004 was held on November 15 at the State House Annex in Trenton, and it was an interesting, informative event. The resounding theme of the day was that women need to get involved and run for office. Approximately 50 NJAWBO members statewide were present.
There were many guest speakers throughout the day, including Jeannine LaRue from St. Barnabas Health Care System, whose mantra was "get involved" and "show up." A panel on "Why Get Involved - Women Making a Difference", featured Assemblywoman Alison Littell McHose, Sonia Delgado from the Princeton Public Affairs Group, and Kristen Appelget, President of the Princeton Chamber of Commerce and West Windsor Township Councilwoman. They were all very dynamic speakers and each one stressed that networking and being out there was critical if you want your business to move ahead.
Melanie Willoughby, Sr. VP of Legislative Affairs of the NJBIA spoke on making your point effectively by talking with legislators and becoming familiar with their staff.
NJAWBO's SEED Grant recipients were awarded grants ranging from NJAWBO membership to cash for business investment. Commissioner Susan Bass Levin, Department of Community Affairs and past president of NJAWBO, presented the awards along with Robin Berg Tabakin, NJAWBO President-Elect.
Throughout the day, many dignitaries stopped in to say a few words to us during their breaks in session. Among them were Secretary of State Regena Thomas, Assemblymen Lou Greenwald and Joe Pennacchio, as well as State Senators Barbara Buono and Ellen Karcher, and Assemblywomen Linda Greenstein and Joan Voss.
If you could take the time to attend next year, you won't regret it!
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